Shafaqna Pakistan: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued a nationwide alert warning of an intense heatwave expected to persist in several parts of the country until May 5.
According to the advisory issued by the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), Sindh, southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan are likely to experience severe heatwave conditions. Major cities including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, and Turbat are expected to remain under extreme heat.
The alert further stated that central Punjab and some areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may also see a significant rise in temperatures.
NDMA cautioned that the heatwave could increase risks of heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses. It advised citizens to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions.
The authority also directed relevant departments to activate heatwave response measures, establish cooling centres, and ensure hospitals remain on standby. Provincial and district administrations have been instructed to stay alert and prepared for any emergencies.
At the same time, the NDMA said a weather system was expected to bring dust storms, gusty winds and rain to the upper and central districts of Punjab on April 24, 25 and 29. Areas including Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan were likely to receive rainfall.
In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar were forecast to receive rain accompanied by strong winds between April 24–25 and April 27–29. Coastal areas, including Gwadar, were expected to remain hot and dry with a gradual increase in temperature.
According to the authority, Sindh was likely to remain hot and dry overall, with temperatures continuing to rise. However, Hyderabad, Badin and Mithi may experience light rain and gusty winds on April 24.
K-P was also expected to witness intermittent rain and strong winds in districts, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat and Kurram during April 24–25 and April 27–29.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were likely to experience intermittent rain with thunderstorms from April 24 to 29.
The NDMA said the current weather pattern was consistent with its seasonal outlook issued three to four months earlier, and noted that a detailed assessment for the April to June period had already been shared.
It further urged the public to stay updated through its official mobile application, “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert”, for timely information and guidance.
Source: Express Tribune
